THE council is getting into gear to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ards TT Races.
Motor enthusiasts can pen the centenary date of August 18, 2028 in their diaries with plans to host a ‘Goodwood Revival’ style festival.
The centenary celebration could include sprint races, a vintage car display, a Craigantlet hill climb and drive of the original route according to a report presented to the council’s Place and Prosperity Committee.
From 1928 until 1936, the Ards TT brought racing legends from around the world to race on roads around Comber and Newtownards – until a crash claiming the lives of eight spectators brought the race to an end.
Up to half a million people would line the route to get a glimpse of racing drivers such as Kaye Don, Carraciola Nuvolari and Freddie Dixon as they reached speeds in excess of 100mph on this 13 mile circuit.
In a bid to organise and fund the centenary weekend event, council officials have recommended a working group be set up with contributions from councillors, tourism and heritage officers and local motorsport historians and enthusiasts.
With the cost depending on the ‘council’s aspirations and budget’, the report advised external funding could be sought from the likes of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Big Lottery, Tourism NI as well as private sponsorship from the motor industry.
Alderman Robert Adair welcomed the setting up of the working group. “I think it is great we are preserving our history and heritage for Newtownards. This has the potential to draw visitors from across Northern Ireland and further afield.”
Alderman Naomi Armstrong-Cotter welcomed the proposal and praised her party colleague, alderman Stephen McIlveen, who had been ‘instrumental’ in bringing it forward.
Each committee decision must be ratified at a full council meeting held at the end of the month.
